Chapter 10: Professor Rowan's Visit
After a two-day weekend, Lu Ye had to return to classes at school. However, ever since the changes in the world line, Modu University had undergone tremendous changes as well.
Walking through campus, Lu Ye saw young men and women everywhere carrying Poké Balls, with some even letting their Pokémon walk alongside them. Most were small-sized Pokémon like Pidgey, Growlithe, and Glameow, though a few students zoomed by on Ursaring.
"Remember, no racing with Pokémon on campus!"
"Take it easy, Instructor, that's just the Battle Department doing some training!"
Checking the official website, Lu Ye discovered that a "Trainer Academy" had indeed been added to the South Campus. Among the top majors were "Pokémon Battle" and "Pokémon Breeding," now first-tier specializations.
But none of this had much to do with Lu Ye, who majored in finance. Even though his schedule now included a few elective Pokémon courses, his core finance classes hadn't changed much.
"Good thing there's still time to review, or else that scholarship would be in danger," Lu Ye muttered.
Indeed, aside from being a game streamer, Lu Ye was also a top student. Ranking among the top three in his department, he had a shot at a national scholarship later this year. Although only a freshman, Lu Ye's good looks and stellar grades had earned him popularity across all grades.
His first class of the morning was an elective: "Sinnoh Pokémon History."
Entering the lecture hall, he found it packed to the brim with students.
"Lu Zi, over here!"
His roommate, Liang Dayou—who double-majored in law and computer science—waved at him. Though he kept his hair cropped short, Dayou's receding hairline betrayed him, a testament to his "strongman" image.
Taking the seat his roommate saved, Lu Ye whispered, "Why so many people here today? It's not like the professor takes attendance."
Liang Dayou grinned, "Didn't you see the messages in the group chat? Today's class is being taught by a guest professor—a Pokémon Professor, no less."
Lu Ye blinked. "Which professor?"
"From the Sinnoh Region—Professor Rowan!"
The lecture hall burst into applause as a few reporters with cameras filed in at the back. An elderly man with a stately demeanor and a mustache stepped into the hall carrying a briefcase. His grey hair was slicked back, and he wore a gray overcoat with a blue velvet vest and tie underneath. Clearing his throat, he greeted the class in English:
"I am Rowan from the Sinnoh Region, and I'll be giving today's lecture."
Gasps of amazement filled the hall.
Liang Dayou whispered excitedly, "Professor Rowan is an expert in evolution studies, considered Sinnoh's top scholar!"
Lu Ye's expression turned a bit complicated. "I know him."
"You know him?"
Of course, Lu Ye knew him! This was the very same Professor who gave new Trainers their starter Pokémon in Sinnoh. Excitement aside, the students quickly settled down, focusing intently on the lecture.
Although he lectured in English, Professor Rowan explained everything in a clear, engaging way that kept the students absorbed.
"Sinnoh's Pokémon history originates from mythological times and serves as a microcosm of global Pokémon history. In the ancient myths, a singularity formed after the Big Bang, birthing the oldest of creator deities, Arceus. Arceus then created the deities governing time, space, and antimatter… On the third day, Arceus endowed life with emotion, willpower, and knowledge…"
Just as everyone was immersed, Professor Rowan tapped the blackboard, saying sternly: "Many of you here may never engage with Pokémon history again in your lives. But history is humanity's treasure, a source of invaluable wisdom for each of you."
Given Modu University's focus on humanities and history, it made sense why they'd invited Professor Rowan. As Lu Ye reflected on this, Liang Dayou nudged him, looking slightly panicked.
Professor Rowan asked, "Does anyone here know the names of these mythological Pokémon?"
A slight tension filled the room; few students had bothered to memorize such obscure names. In a parallel world, it was like expecting people to recall the names of heroes from the Iliad—even an FGO fan might hesitate.
Seeing no volunteers, Professor Rowan smoothed his mustache. "It's alright if you don't remember their names. Just share your perspective on Pokémon history."
Scanning the hall, he added, "You, the handsome young man in the front—care to give it a try?"
The entire hall turned to look at Lu Ye. Grinning with schadenfreude, Dayou nudged Lu Ye, struggling to stifle his laughter, tears almost brimming at the corners of his eyes.
"Teacher, may I answer the previous question instead?"
"Of course."
Professor Rowan nodded, intrigued. "The three Pokémon who represent emotion, willpower, and knowledge are…"
"Mesprit, Azelf, and Uxie," Lu Ye answered evenly. "According to the legends, they reside in Sinnoh's Lake Verity, Lake Valor, and Lake Acuity, respectively."
A hush fell over the room. Glancing over, Liang Dayou noticed the girls in the back row gazing at Lu Ye with admiration.
Professor Rowan looked momentarily stunned; to ensure accuracy, Lu Ye had even used the Japanese pronunciations for the names.
"Yes, you are exactly right!" Professor Rowan nodded appreciatively, starting a round of applause.
Thunderous applause echoed, and camera shutters clicked from the back. Lu Ye, however, looked bemused. Really? Was knowing the names of legendary Pokémon supposed to be that special? I even know about Ultra Necrozma—imagine how that'd blow their minds!
"No wonder he's our top student, Lu Ye!"
"When did he learn Japanese? His pronunciation is perfect…"
"Oh, someone's got a crush!"
"Stop it!"
Dayou ignored the chatter from behind, stoically pulling out The JAVA Programming Language from his bag. Study, after all, was the only path to true power!
After class, students respectfully filed past Professor Rowan, who nodded seriously at each one. Surrounded by faculty, Professor Rowan was about to leave when he suddenly called out.
"Lu Ye, if I may—do you have any commitments this afternoon?"
Professor Rowan had singled him out by name. Startled, Lu Ye found himself pushed forward by a beaming Dayou, envied glances surrounding them.
"Good afternoon, Professor, I'm free for the rest of the day."
Professor Rowan's brows lifted in a smile. "There are a few specialized courses this afternoon, and I'd like you to assist me as a translator."
Low murmurs of admiration rose around them. To be invited to work with a renowned Pokémon Professor was a dream come true for many. And here was Professor Rowan himself, offering Lu Ye this rare opportunity—a clear sign of his high regard!